asses

USAGE SUMMARY

"asses" is a word and can be used in written English.
For example, you could say: "The students in the class were asses for not paying attention to the lecture." However, be aware that the word "asses" is considered to be vulgar and is not appropriate for formal, academic, or professional writing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Long-haired English boys with their skintight hipster bell-bottoms and tight little asses inflamed the sensitivities of the manly locals.

The Guardian - Music

Invisible in the dark, the dormant asses, which help plough Namibia's land and pull its carts, have become a cause of many a car crash, to the dismay of drivers and the police alike.

The Economist

He concluded that all of democracy and politics was silly, taunted the Athenians that they should have a majority vote declaring asses to be horses, and then suggested that everybody withdraw from public life altogether.

The Economist

At the opening of the SXSW Music festival last week Mayor Will Wynn turned up to say that Austin people should "get their asses off the couch" and support live music.

The Economist

On April 4th it complained to the OFT about the ASA, "regarding the unfair procedures, bias and factually untrue rulings made by the ASA against seven of Ryanair's adverts".The ASA, or "Absolutely Stupid Asses" in the Irish, has previously ticked Ryanair off about comparisons it made with Eurostar, and about adverts it used to promote its "Hottest Back to School Fares".(Photo credit: AP).

The Economist

Beginning gradually on small, private reserves, wild horses, asses and camels would be introduced and biologists could study their effects on the ecosystem.

The Economist

So the EPA has to asses whether water quality in nearby streams is "above levels believed to cause excursion of water quality standards or significant degradation".

The Economist

Cleopatra is said to have bathed in asses' milk to stay young and beautiful, but did not live long enough to find out if it worked in old age.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The half-asses, races of E. hemionus, were found in the arid zone of Asia from Persia to the Gobi Desert, as well as in Arabia, Syria, and northwestern India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The half-asses, races of Equus hemionus, occupied the dry belt from Mongolia through central Asia to Syria, with a northern limit at about 50° N latitude.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Observers studying the wild horse and half-asses have noted that females and juveniles form a group dominated by a single stallion, which keeps them together by active herding; the unattached males are solitary or live in small herds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If using "asses" in informal contexts to mean buttocks, be mindful of your audience and the appropriateness of such language.

Common error

A common error is using "asses" without considering the context, leading to unintended vulgarity when referring to donkeys, or vice versa. Always ensure your meaning is clear.

Linguistic Context

The word "asses" primarily functions as a plural noun. It has two main meanings: the plural form of "ass" referring to the animal (donkey) and, informally, as a vulgar term for buttocks or a derogatory term for foolish people. Ludwig indicates the word can be used in written English, while suggesting caution in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

36%

News & Media

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "asses" presents a challenge due to its dual meanings and varying levels of formality. As evidenced by Ludwig, it serves as the plural of "ass", denoting both donkeys and, informally, buttocks or a derogatory term for foolish people. While grammatically correct, its usage necessitates careful consideration of the context to avoid ambiguity or offense. Sources from encyclopedias and news outlets frequently use the term, often in literal contexts related to animals or historical references. In contrast, its informal and potentially vulgar connotations require caution in professional or academic settings. When writing, choosing synonyms like "donkeys", "buttocks", "fools", or "idiots" can enhance clarity and appropriateness, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of language. Ludwig confirms the word can be used in written English but stresses context-dependent consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

donkeys

Replaces "asses" with a more common and less offensive term for the animal.

mules

Similar to donkeys, referring to working animals.

pack animals

General term for animals used for carrying loads, including donkeys.

the rear end

A more polite alternative for the vulgar meaning of "asses".

ungulates

A broader term encompassing hoofed mammals, including asses.

buttocks

A more clinical term for the posterior.

fools

Replaces "asses" in its derogatory sense.

idiots

Another term for foolish or stupid people.

stupid people

Explicitly states the meaning of "asses" as an insult.

nitwits

A less offensive term for foolish people.

FAQs

How can I use the word "asses" correctly?

The word "asses" can be used as the plural of "ass", referring to either donkeys or, informally, to buttocks. However, be cautious of the context as it can also be used as a vulgar term for foolish people. Consider alternatives like "donkeys" when referring to the animal.

What's a more polite way to say "asses" when referring to buttocks?

If you want to avoid the vulgarity associated with "asses", you can use terms like "buttocks", "rear end", or "posterior".

When is it appropriate to use "asses" in writing?

It is generally appropriate to use "asses" when referring to a group of donkeys in a factual or descriptive context. However, its use as a derogatory term or reference to buttocks is often considered vulgar and should be avoided in formal or professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "fools" or "idiots" for the former and "buttocks" for the latter.

What are some synonyms for "asses" when used as an insult?

When used to describe foolish people, "asses" can be replaced with terms like "fools", "idiots", "nitwits", or "simpletons" depending on the level of formality desired.